Award given by SCI to Colas’ head of technical development

John Richardson, 184 Colas’ head of technical development for UK and the Isle of Man, has received a prestigious award from the Society of Chemical Industry (SCI). The society’s Construction Materials Group presented Richardson with the George Bessey Award at its annual AGM, only the third time the award has been given since its inception in 2007.

Established in 1993, the George Bessey award aims to recognise the efforts of dedicated and exceptional members of the group. Richardson, who has worked for Colas for the past 16 years, has been a member of the SCI’s Construction Materials Group since joining the SCI in 1983. Prior to joining Colas, he worked for George Wimpey and Tarmac Quarry Products and has authored several papers and books.

 SCI's Construction Materials Group's past-chair John Fifield said of Richardson:  “He has helped to organise lectures and meetings throughout his time and has always been able to find a fantastic range of speakers for symposia, drawing on his impressive list of business contacts in companies worldwide. John has always been a dedicated member, who has willingly given his time to promote SCI and further the efforts of SCI's Construction Materials Group.”

Stewart Struthers, Colas’ deputy CEO said: “As a company that harnesses creativity and innovation, we are obviously delighted that John’s talent and expertise have been recognised. Colas is fully committed to ensuring that all staff have the relevant skills and knowledge to carry out their work and this award demonstrates that we possess the qualities in our people - their talent, passion and vision - to deliver excellence in everything we do.”

Richardson celebrated his award by giving a presentation to the AGM on the subject of bitumen emulsion spray for road pavements.